PROTESTS from residents have failed to secure the future of the only pub in their village.

Regulars at the Prince of Wales pub in Woolavington have been campaigning against plans to sell the pub since early last year.

But last week members of Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee granted planning permission for developers to extend the 143-year-old pub with the intention of turning it into a convenience store.

Punch Tavern’s decision to sell the pub to Box Property Group last year caused dismay locally and more than 100 residents attempted to raise enough money to launch a counter bid.

A Woolavington-based businessman even offered to match Box Property Group’s offer.

It has since emerged that the developer has a certificate of lawful use which confirms a right to convert the building from a drinking establishment to retail use.

And now that planning has been granted to extend the pub it looks like the sale will eventually go ahead.

Landlord Dave Gladwell took over the pub in September and has since made the business profitable in an attempt to save the tavern.

He had no idea that the developers did not require planning permission to change the building’s use.

Speaking to the Mercury, he said: “I’m absolutely devastated about the decision.

“None of us knew about this legislation that had been passed which gives developers an automatic right to turn a pub into a shop without needing planning permission.

“I love this pub.

“Now I’ll be left without a job, an income and the people in Woolavington will be left without anywhere to socialise.”

Once the Prince of Wales is closed, the nearest pub is a mile away along an unlit main road.

Cllr Mark Healey, ward councillor for Woolavington and Puriton, said the planning committee has a duty to local residents.

He said: “I was disappointed in the planning committee.

“Okay, the decision may have been technically correct to grant planning permission but in terms of community value it’s the wrong decision.”

In a last ditch attempt to save the pub, the parish council has asked Sedgemoor District Council’s legal team to inspect the contracts of sale between Punch Tavern’s and Box Developers.

Parish council clerk Richard Young said: “The planning documents state that Sedgemoor has only had reassurances that contracts have been exchanged.

“We’ve asked for written proof that the contracts have changed hands. We’re still hopeful and we’re not giving up just yet.”

However in a statement to the Mercury Punch Taverns said: “We can confirm that contracts have been exchanged and we are in discussions regarding the completion of the sale.”